Wentworth renewed for 20 episodes!

For a little while, it sounded like that next year’s seventh season of Wentworth was going to be the last instalment, so just imagine how much we breathed a massive sigh of relief with news that the series has been renewed for an incredible 20 episodes, which will see the phenomenally popular series hit 100 episodes!

“It’s awesome!” says Leah Purcell, who joined last season as Rita Connors. “We believe in the stories, we believe in our writers, we believe in our characters, we believe in our fans who pushed hard.”

The response from the award-winning drama’s followers when it looked like the show may not continue sent shockwaves across the globe – and Purcell gives the series’ devotees huge praise.

“Good on them for their dedication to the show, because if you don’t have an audience you don’t have an opportunity to perform, and the show doesn’t work. So a massive thank you to all the fans.”

Purcell, who was up for an AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama at this year’s awards, says her role in the show has been a blessing.

“I love Rita Connors. I’ve waited 26 years [to play] someone physical, and gutsy but also a woman with a big heart and loyal. It’s a godsend.”

One of the other new cast members last season was Rarriwuy Hick, who plays Rita’s sister Ruby. “Just hearing that it’s going to go to 100 episodes, I think that’s just amazing. I’m very excited,” she says.

She admits it was a bit nerve-wracking joining a show which has such an impressive cast, both past and present. “You’ve got Pamela Rabe, Celia Ireland. You have all these amazing women who just set the bar, [so when I started] I was like, all right I really have to bring my A-game.”

Original cast member Kate Atkinson, who plays Governor Vera Bennett, says the seamless way the writers bring in new faces like Purcell and Hick and Susie Porter’s Marie Winter keeps things fresh.

“I find it astounding that we bring in these new characters and they’re such an asset to the show – not that we forget the wonderful people we’ve had, but you’ve kind of got to look after your audience and hope they come along for the ride and somehow, magically, they move on with us. We’ve been so lucky to have had the actors that we’ve had, and continue to attract.”

And as for what will happen or who will feature in the show’s landmark 100th episode, that’s still anyone’s guess. “I hope I’m working that day when we hit that number!” says Purcell with a laugh.

WENTWORTH s7 will air on FOX SHOWCASE [115] in 2019; seasons 1-6 available to stream On Demand